Hate my new work dress code

[Pandora79]

Hi

So I worked in one part of my company where the dress code was business dress. I loved it. It's really my thing.

I moved department and the dress code here is casual. I mean casual. Jeans, Tracksuit bottoms, hoodies. Generally alot of people look like they are in their Pjs. Everyone else loves it. I don't. I like dressing up for work. But my old business dress look is really put of place.

I am struggling to find a happy medium. Where I look smart, but not over dressed.

Can anyone make any suggestions?

Smart casual workwear is what you want so patent heels/ shoes, chinos, pencil skirts and a smart blouse or top.

I'd LOVE to be able to wear my jeans or leggings in work! I think you're lucky!!

Maybe some nice jeans and a top with converse or ballet shoes?

Think about the fabrics you're wearing.
For example the same style of shirt looks much more dressy in silk than it does in denim.
If you know the shape of clothes that work on you, choose the same shapes but in denim & jersey.
Websites with a decent range of these sort of fabrics are Baukjen, Me & Em, HotSquash & Boden (though I know they can be a bit marmite for some!)

I understand - went from full business office to business casual to full casual. But like you, I like to dress up a bit and don't feel comfortable going to work in jeans and hoodie.

So I do the mix and match approach and still wear business/smart casual. Smart shirt and/or jacket with chinos and jeans. Suit dress with casual shoes. Even pencil skirts don't look too formal if worn with sweaters or blouses and not buttoned shirts.

@Pandora79 what about jeans but with heels? and a nice blouse or top with a blazer much more casual than business suits more much more smart than jeans and converse!!

I have recently bought three different colours of the Boden Tamara dress. So comfy but feels smart. There is a denim one. Probably best for hour glass or pear shapes.

I'd slowly up the ante - so jeans and a shirt, skirt and a shirt, skirt, heels, a shirt.

Yes I need to get used to wearing heels. That would probs my smarten up my outfits. I like the idea of upping the ante too.

Thank you all so much. You have really helped me.

At this time of year I think I would wear either capris or wide linen-mix trousers with scoop-neck t-shirts and ballet flats. In autumn and winter, maybe jeans but not blue jeans. Cream or burgundy jeans look a bit smarter in my mind but are still jeansy enough that the jeans-wearing brigade wouldn't think you looked inappropriate.

This is why I love my uniform. I got so stressed when I worked in an office and had to have work clothes. Ended up way smarter than everyone else, but I liked it as I felt like work me! No one cared...